COPD Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

I was diagnosed with mild COPD a few years ago. The doctor said 'Here's a Rx for an inhaler. Use it when you need to." That's it. When I asked what caused it, 'Well you used to smoke so most likely that's why'. I feel like there should be more. After dealing with this for this time with little to no assistance to teach me about it, I'm going to request to see a pulmonologist cause I wonder if there are treatments for this. I understand it isn't curable.
This past Sunday I had my wife take me to the ER with a really bad chest cold that was causing me to cough so hard I'd pass out. My wife said my eyes would roll up and my face turn almost purple. My feet shake and hands move without purpose. As awareness comes back I'm very confused about what is happening, where I am. Everything visually is all stars. After a few seconds I regain enough to understand what happened.
This also happened last winter while vacationing in Texas for a month. Then the diagnosis was pneumonia. This year they said the ct-scan did not show pneumonia but the Dr was surprised as he thought it would after listening to me breath.
Are these normal reactions to COPD? Sometimes just bending over to tie my shoes leaves me panting ridiculously. They do EKG's on my heart and it shows all is fine. Stress tests, the same. My O2 levels always show 94-96. I'm excited to have found this website and hope to begin learning things about COPD, what can be done to help or maybe when I should be looking for more answers. Thank you for listening .

Hi Group,
I am "Hub" from Florida diagnosed with COPD several years ago. Taking Wixela Inhub inhaler along with Spiriva Respimat, Xopenex rescue inhaler, and Levalbuterol nebulizer. COPD results of Covid pneumonia which severely scarred my lungs. Also started taking 10mg of prednisone for the bronchial spasms. Found the nebulizer is the only thing that helps when I am in trouble. Trying to wean off of prednisone. I am also on 3 units of oxygen at home with the oxygen generator and Inogen one portable generator. I don't need oxygen when sitting up resting.
This is year 2. I also have a bed that adjusts-a real life saver as mornings are tough with all the congestion. Taking 12 hour Mucinex before bed helps. Still play occasional 9 holes of golf from a cart. Done with tennis-just a chore to walk far as legs get wobbly. Doctors all say my tests indicate no change but I feel weaker by the day. I also have congestive heart failure and stage 3 kidney disease-mostly from covid., again doctors say no change! I like pool exercise and treadmill and elliptical in gym. I have a battery assist recumbent tricycle and a stand up walker that I use. I'm 82 and could use any advice you have.

@jerdonus Never (before) heard of Xopenex. Thanks for the info! Keep using your legs as much as you can. Do you do "sit-to-stand" exercises?

Bob in Phila here. I was diagnosed with COPD and was hospitalized about 3 weeks ago for a week for COPD exacerbated by pneumonia. I had pneumonia twice. A relentless cold in January. Pneumonia diagnosed then. 2 antibiotics prescribed.
Still was coughing and then a steroid. All through February and March this was repeated.
By April 7th I could not breath. Couldn't exhale and couldn't inhale. I though I was going to die. I thought this must be what it's like to drown.
My wife called the rescue squad ( I was still reluctant to go to the hospital ) In they came and gave me oxygen right away and off we went. Very scary! I was in for a week. The nurses and doctors were SO helpful and so smart.
So far I use Trelegy in the morning and the nebulizer every 4 -5 hours. I have rescue things everywhere. I did have a bad night 2 nights after returning home. I got a bit scared again. Got out of bed.4:00am Hooked up the nebulizer. Things and me, calmed down and went back to sleep. I am about to get into a pulmonary rehab. Whatever I have to do to stay healthy and keep the COPD away or at bay.
I look forward to learning all I can about COPD and staying healthy.
Damn cigarettes! I was a heavy smoker but stopped 36 years ago.

@beflat10r
What nebulizer solution do you use? I use Ipratropium/albuteral. Thanks